Finding the Balance Between Self-Sufficiency and Community
Feeling burned out from trying to do everything on your homestead alone? Maybe it's time to rethink what "self-sufficiency" really means.
In this heartfelt episode of Simply Living Homestead, Amanda Carlin opens up about the hidden pressure many homesteaders face—the belief that self-sufficiency means doing everything yourself. But is that sustainable? Amanda shares personal stories from growing up in a multigenerational compound and reflects on the importance of community, not isolation. With honesty and encouragement, she challenges listeners to consider a model of interdependence—where homesteaders support one another by sharing strengths and responsibilities. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed on your homesteading journey, this episode is for you.
Doing Things When You have Babies at your Knees
Trying to do all the homestead things with little ones underfoot? You’re not alone—and it’s okay if it doesn’t always go as planned.
In this special episode of Simply Living Homestead, Amanda Carlin sits down with her friend and fellow homesteader-at-heart, Leslie Warwick, for a candid, coffee-style chat about the joys and challenges of doing life, work, and homesteading with young children at your side. From spilled flour to emotional meltdowns, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and encouragement for other mamas trying to raise their babies while still getting things done. Whether you’re in an apartment or on 25 acres, this heartfelt conversation reminds us that faith, flexibility, and a little letting go go a long way in this season of motherhood.
Getting Your Teens Interested and Involved on the Homestead Pt 2
Are you wondering how to raise responsible, hardworking teens who actually want to help out on the homestead?
In today’s episode, Amanda Carlin dives into the next phase of raising homesteading kids—those powerful tween and teen years. Building on last week’s episode about involving young children in traditional skills, this second part explores what happens as your kids grow older. Amanda shares personal stories from her childhood and discusses the importance of giving teens both responsibility and the freedom to fail. You’ll hear thoughts on how to mentor your children with love and wisdom as they grow into essential team members on the homestead.
Get your Children Interested in Traditional Skills Pt 1
Many families start homesteading because of their children—but once life gets busy, it’s easy to lose sight of that blessing. So how do we keep them involved and inspired?
In this episode of Simply Living Homestead, Amanda explores how to intentionally involve children in the traditional skills that define homesteading. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, there are age-appropriate ways to include them in gardening, food preservation, animal care, and more. Amanda also shares personal stories and practical advice on nurturing both capability and independence in your children, while remembering this: the homestead is your dream—not theirs.
Creating Time to Be Still
Do you ever crave stillness but feel like there’s just no room for it between chores, children, and homestead life?
In today’s episode, we’re not adding more to your to-do list—instead, we’re creating sacred pauses. Amanda shares how finding stillness isn’t about doing more, but about building rhythms that restore your soul. You’ll hear stories from the early days of Simply Living Homestead, lessons learned from burnout, and a refreshing perspective on pursuing peace amidst the busyness.
Chicken Keeping 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Thinking about raising backyard chickens? You’re not alone! With the growing popularity of homesteading, more people are adding chickens to their homes. But where do you start? In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through the essentials of chicken keeping—from setting up a brooder for baby chicks to building a secure coop and integrating new birds into your flock.
Which Animal Should You Start With on Your Homestead?
Are you ready to add animals to your homestead? Whether you want fresh eggs, homegrown meat, or even a dairy supply, choosing the right first animal is key. In this episode, we break down beginner-friendly animals, intermediate livestock, and milk-producing animals to help you make an informed decision.
Gathering the Family Together for a Meal
Does your family eat together often? Sitting down for a meal is a powerful way to slow down and connect, but if you haven’t made it a habit, where do you start? Today, we’re talking about the art of gathering your family around the table—and practical tips to make it a consistent and enjoyable routine.
Food Preservation by the Season
Growing your own food is a skill that needs to be learned and exercised. If you’re just starting out, don’t feel overwhelmed by the list of foods I preserve! Instead, consider what you already buy from the store or farmers' markets and start growing those. Pick just a couple of things and build on them each year.
Gardening In Small Spaces
Whether you’re in an apartment, have a small backyard, or just want to maximize your space, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you start growing food—no matter where you live.
Clyde Majerus - Interview & Garden Planner
What if your garden could feed your family, slash your grocery bill, and make weed control easier—all at the same time? This week, I sit down with Clyde Majerus, a Master Gardener from the Missouri Ozarks, to uncover time-tested gardening wisdom that can set you up for success.
Set Up a Sustainable Gardening Space
Are you ready for a thriving garden this season? Last week, we talked about starting a new garden. This week, let’s tackle the biggest challenges that can derail your success. Water, weeds, and pests can turn your gardening dreams into a struggle—but with the right strategies, you can have a stress-free and productive season!
Starting a Garden - The First Steps
We're starting with the basics of setting up your garden, choosing the right location, and making key decisions that will help you create a sustainable and productive space. I’ll share personal stories, practical tips, and insights from my own experience growing up in the garden.
Maple Syrup In Bulk
Have you seen the price of maple syrup lately? It’s getting expensive! But what if you could take advantage of the maple syrup harvest without tapping your own trees? In this episode, we’ll explore how to get high-quality maple syrup at a lower cost and walk through the simple process of canning bulk syrup for long-term storage.
The LORD Killed my Cow
Have you ever faced a moment so devastating that all you could do was surrender to God’s will? Today, I’m sharing the story of Clara, the milk cow that started my dairy business—and how the Lord took her away. This episode isn’t full of practical tips, but it is a testimony of God’s sovereignty, His timing, and the peace that comes from trusting in Him.
Tools Every New Homesteader Should Have
Starting your homesteading journey can be overwhelming, but having the right tools and systems in place can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into essential tools and organizational systems to help new homesteaders thrive. From family command centers to must-have physical tools like five-gallon buckets and rakes, we cover practical solutions to help you stay organized and ready for your homestead projects. Whether you’re managing the day-to-day flow of life or tackling farm tasks, this episode provides key strategies for a smoother homesteading experience.
Simple Steps To Healthier Eating
When you first step into the world of homesteading, one of the first things you start to think about is food—real food. But how do you move away from processed, convenience-based eating without breaking the bank or losing your sanity? Let’s dive into some simple, sustainable steps to healthier eating that actually work.
Rhythms of the Seasons on the Homestead
Learning to work with the natural cycles of the land instead of against them can bring so much peace and productivity to your life. Let’s explore how each season presents its own unique opportunities and challenges, and how we can embrace them fully.
Sourdough for Beginners - Troubleshooting Common Problems
Today, we are talking about sourdough and how I’ve made it easier (and less overwhelming) over the years. I know sourdough can seem like a daunting project, but I’m here to share some tips and tricks to help make it more approachable, whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been baking for a while.
Homesteading, Community and Grandma’s Wisdom
Life today moves fast, and our phones keep us constantly connected—but often in ways that don’t truly enrich our lives. Reflecting on my grandma’s way of living has taught me valuable lessons about purpose, joy, and community.